Carriacou boast the most beautiful coral reefs in the Caribbean. One of the best and unspoiled locations in the world for Scuba Enthusiasts. Carriacou is known as the ‘Land of Reefs’, with shallow clear waters: ideal for snorkeling. Residents of the island are independent and traditional. On Carriacou, home to 10,000 people, the musical customs of their African ancestors can be experienced at the Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival held in the month of April each year.

There are so many cultural experiences to take in and memorable celebrations, be it as a witness to a traditional wedding or boat-launching event, watching the Big Drum Nation Dance or Shakespeare Mas, or taking part in All Saint Candle Lighting ‘Pass Play’ and Fishermen Birthday Celebrations.

In the village of Windward, sailing boats were built using traditional methods passed down by Scottish settlers in Carriacou. A number of initiatives have been put in place to encourage young people to learn the art of boat building by producing model boats, and the excitement of boat building is kept alive through the annual Carriacou Regatta held in the month of August.

The people of Carriacou celebrate the believed African tribes they originated from through music and dance. The names of these tribes are Ibo, Congo, Temne, Mandinka, Chamba and Kromati. The ‘Big Drum Dance’ or ‘Nation Dance’ of Carriacou is widely celebrated alongside other performances known as the Kalenda, Juba, Belair, Granbelair, Hallecud and Bongo, which are danced at weddings, boat launchings, tombstone feasts and Maroons.

The Quadrille Dance, which originates from France, is usually performed in the village of L'Esterre and is the second most popular dance in Carriacou.

The Maroon festival is an important aspect of life in Carriacou. During a ‘Maroon’ villagers come together and cook traditional foods and partake in the big ‘Big Drum Dance’. The annual Maroon and String Band Music Festival is a three-day event of activities that showcase a display of local food, crafts, music and dance. The entire island comes together to make it a fun-filled event and it is deemed a major visitor attraction.

Carnival in Carriacou is still very traditional. On the eve of Carnival Tuesday, revellers partake in a traditional mas called ‘Pierrot’, known as ‘ShortKnee’ in Grenada. It is a masquerade that mimics the customs of plantation owners. Revellers dressed in brightly-coloured clothing, white facemasks and knee-length socks have face-offs by reciting passages from Shakespeare. Each reveller carries a bullwhip and if the passages are recited incorrectly, it results in a strike with the bullwhip.

Come and visit us in Carriacou, we are sure to amaze you with our "off the beaten path" lifestyle and family atmosphere, not to mention the warm sunshine and cool island breeze.

Carriacou

Carriacou's History

The earliest written records dating back to 1656 suggest that Caribs named Carriacou ‘Kayryouacou’, meaning ‘land surrounded by reef’. Archaeological discoveries of pottery tools from approximately 1000 AD reveal that Arawaks and Caribs from South America were the first settlers on the island.

Carriacou's Culture

Carriacouians have rich traditions and customs passed through generations influenced by their African and European ancestors. There are so many cultural experiences to take in and capture-worthy celebrations, be it as a witness to a traditional wedding or boat-launching event, watching the Big Drum Nation Dance or Shakespeare Mas, or taking part in All Saint Candle Lighting ‘Pass Play’ and Fishermen Birthday Celebrations.

Meet The People

The proud and independent inhabitants of Carriacou are very similar to the warm and welcoming personalities of people in mainland Grenada. The differences can be found in the interesting stories of the people and how their ancestors and families settled in Carriacou, and the cultural traditions they still enjoy today.

Jerk Hut

Head Chef, Reece Sprugeon, welcomes you to Laurena’s Restaurant & Bar which offers a pleasant atmosphere with both local and international cuisine. Signature dishes include Jamaican Pork, Chicken in Wine & Curried Lobster: scrumptious and mouth watering treats; are some of the items you can order from our menu. The Jerk Center is conveniently located on Main Street, with a beautiful ocean view. Enjoy your meal inside, outside or on the upper deck patio. It is a 2 second walk away from a beautiful white sandy beach. Come and try Chef Reece’s Jerk Chicken or Jerk Pork!! There is absolutely nothing like it on the island. It’s one of the most requested dishes by our locals as well as the tourist!!

What Our Guests Says?

"We had a huge apartment,front and back balconies. The housekeeping staff were excellent and pleasant. The Jerk Center offered great choices at reasonable prices. The food was delicious. Chef Reese granted a special request which was absolutely fabulous. Ms Newton was very helpful. Overall we had a wonderful stay."

Beachbum730

"The Laurena was great, the room was comfortable, and cleaned daily and towels changed ,the staff were amazing we felt very welcome nothing's too much trouble for anyone lovely people.The food in the restaurant (laurena11 jerk centre) was very nice too when we go back to carriacou I would definitely stay there again without any hesitation"

Lynnie02lr

"Great location- right downtown. My family and I went there for Carnival and it was very convenient for us. The restaurant is located right off the main street, and has a nice view of the beach. Food is always great! can't say enough, had a wonderful stay."

Mrojas72

"The room was spacious and comfortable. The restaurant (Jerk center) was excellent, with affordable delicious native foods and drinks. The folks are friendly and helpful. One of the best vacations I have had in a long time"

Travel Doctor 2015

"In my opinion this is the best there is in the centre of town. It's central and close to the beach. The owner George is charming and laid back, made us feel really comfortable. You can eat here, but why not get a taste for local cuisine."

Ann372

"George & Staff, Thank you for a wonderful stay, your hotel is conveniently located within a few minutes from Restaurants, Shopping and only a few minutes away from the beach. The services and in particular the WiFi is excellent. Thank you Brenda for such lovely service, much appreciated. Thanks again Julia"